Rotterdam-based studio Ector Hoogstad Architects is behind the creation of the world's largest bicycle parking center. The enormous project is part of a grand scale redevelopment of the Utrecht Centraal Railway Station in the Netherlands and boasts an innovative layout that manages the flow of both pedestrians and cyclists.

The user-friendly project includes the construction of a multi-story bicycle parking hub, which caters for a world record capacity of over 12,500 bikes. The project, which started construction in 2017, is set to reach completion later this year and is an example of how cities can accommodate a growing number of cyclists.

The project, which started construction in 2017, is set to reach completion later this year

Ector Hoogstad Architects

"Historically, the Dutch have always been fervent cyclists," says Ector Hoogstad Architects. "This enthusiasm is now growing even further as cycling is being discovered as a key ingredient of the sustainable city. New bicycle typologies such as the introduction of the so-called e-bike are helping to amplify this shift in mass transportation. More and more public transport hubs will be complemented with extensive and user friendly amenities for cyclists, as increasing amounts of people begin to favor the combination of cycling and public transport over car use."

The user-friendly project includes the construction of a multi-story bicycle parking center

Ector Hoogstad Architects

The three story bicycle parking center is located directly below the station's public square and is designed to offer cyclists convenience, speed and safety. The layout therefore allows cyclists to ride straight into the facility, with lanes weaving through the structure to accommodate a fast and fluid entry and exit in both directions.

Similar to modern car parks, a digital system will direct cyclists to available parking spots and the walls are color-coded to indicate the different routes. Uses can pay for the bike parking by scanning their public transport pass to save time and the facility will have plenty of staff on hand to assist cyclists if needed. There will also be a bike repair shop and bicycle rental outlet available.

"The building is more than just infrastructure," explains Ector Hoogstad Architects. "It adds an exciting and surprising architectural dimension to the city. Cycling through the garage has become a unique experience; not just another part of everyday life in the city, but almost an attraction in its own right."

The facility is designed to offer cyclists convenience, speed and safety

Ector Hoogstad Architects

The structure is built using concrete, steel and wood and includes three giant concrete canopies that lead the cyclists into the park. A series of large windows and glass skylights will allow natural light to filter down through the bike-park, coupled with LED lighting throughout.

The overall concept, aesthetic and usability of the facility is designed to invite more people to ride bikes as their main form of transport, reducing the city's CO2 emissions.

"The environment is one of the development's starting points: the bike-park is built to seduce more inhabitants and commuters to use bicycles and public transport instead of cars," says the firm. "This behavioral change reduces CO2 emissions by up to 95 percent. Utrecht profits in many ways: a better public space with a spectacular bike-parking and moreover space for commercial development."

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Bridget is an experienced architecture, travel and design writer who has been contributing to New Atlas since 2010. Based between Melbourne and Rome, she and has a keen eye for innovative design, green technology and space saving solutions. Bridget is fluent in Italian and enjoys covering major events in Italy, including the Milan Design Week and Venice Biennale.

5 comments

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paul314July 10, 2019 10:17 AM

The multimodal part is key. Commuters can come into town without using a car, then have access to rapid last-meter transport all day.

McDesignJuly 10, 2019 01:00 PM

I'd be interested in the pitch and length of the ramps between floors - either steep-ish and tricky, or shallow and space-consuming, it would seem.

joeblakeJuly 10, 2019 09:02 PM

Can't see anything that will allow parking for velomobiles/ recumbent tricycles. Just diamond frame uprights.

TomLeeMJuly 13, 2019 11:29 PM

I think that is really neat. I agree, it would be great if there was able to hold bigger bikes like recumbent trikes, trikes, and other bigger than normal bikes (perhaps have a way to charge e-bikes).

TrevorGJuly 18, 2019 09:58 PM

There is no need to ride into the garage. It can be much more compact than that. If it were just a heavy duty version of the clothes conveyor you see at the dry cleaners, one attendant could run the operation.